Neosho, MO – Crowder College Agriculture students in Beef cattle production class toured RTR Beefmasters, Neosho, MO, April 15th. The students learned about the genetics and advantages of the Beefmaster breed. Bo Johnson, owner/operator of RTR Beefmasters had several stops on the tour with the first consisting of a feed trial for bulls from across the state. The next stop included cows and heifers for a breeding program. The agriculture majors were able to compare several head of cattle for their breeding capabilities. The final stop on the tour was of the facility and the design. Mr. Johnson demonstrated the different cattle handling equipment while explaining the various reasons for its use and answering questions.
Students were invited back to the ranch to observe IMF (Intramuscular Fat) measuring conducted with an ultrasound later in the month.
The students made such on impression on Johnson with their willingness to learn that he generously donated a registered Beefmaster heifer to start a breeding herd on the college farm. “Champagne”, a daughter of Houston Stock Show Grand Champion Bull “Gigolo”, has made her new home at the Crowder College farm. Crowder Ag division is proud of this newfound partnership with local beef industry leaders,” stated Jorge Zapata, Ag Division Chair and Instructor.
The Crowder College Agriculture program offers a working farm for its students to gain hands-on experience with cattle, sheep, goats, swine and other small animals offering associate degree programs in a variety of agriculture topics.
(L-R): Jorge Zapata, Crowder Ag Division Chair/Instructor; Bo & Laura Johnson, RTR Beefmasters; Crowder Agriculture students Kolton Pinkly. Gwyneth Henson, Amanda Coberley, Ryann Rosenbohm, Shae Eckhardt, and Trenton Evans
